Bringing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act to Life—One Community at a Time
From National Policy to Local Impact.
From Law to Lives Saved.
The National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), signed into law on 14 February 2019, established a comprehensive framework to improve cancer prevention, detection, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care in the Philippines.
Signed during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, NICCA marked a historic commitment to ensure equitable, accessible, and quality cancer care for all Filipinos.
Today, the challenge—and opportunity—is clear:
NICCA must be fully realized at the local level.
👉 This is NICCA Localization.
Why NICCA Localization Matters
Cancer is now the second leading cause of death in the Philippines. Yet many cancer deaths are preventable through early detection, timely treatment, and continuity of care.
Despite strong national progress, awareness and utilization of NICCA remain limited at the LGU and community level.
NICCA Localization exists to:
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Close the gap between national policy and local delivery
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Empower LGUs to take ownership of cancer control
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Ensure cancer care reaches urban, rural, and GIDA communities
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📌 Localization turns NICCA from a law into lived impact.
Why NICCA Localization Summits MatterLatest News
DOH takes big steps toward universal health care with NICCA implementation
BAGUIO CITY (PIA – By Debbie Gasingan) — The Department of Health (DOH) has highlighted [...]
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The 12 promises of the Cancer Law
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What NICCA Localization Is About
Our Core Pillars
Ownership
LGUs, health workers, and communities leading cancer control efforts.
Engagement
Whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration—public, private, and civil society.
Innovative & Sustainable Financing
Reducing patient financial toxicity and unlocking local investment mechanisms.
Capacity Development
Building skills, systems, and leadership across the cancer care continuum.
Systems & Process Improvement
Faster referrals, better coordination, and patient-centered pathways.
Policy Support for Sustainability
Integrating NICCA into local ordinances, development plans, and budgets.
Technology & Data for Better Care
Leveraging appropriate tools to improve care quality and track progress.
National Progress Under NICCA
Since its enactment, NICCA has enabled key national milestones, including:
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National Integrated Cancer Control Council established
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Strengthened Cancer Control Division
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Activation of the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF)
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Implementation of CSPMAP for palliative and pain care
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Designation of regional cancer centers nationwide
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Expansion of Cancer Access Sites across the country
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Recognition of cancer patients and survivors as Persons with Disability
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📌 The next step is ensuring these benefits are fully accessed—locally.
NICCA Localization Summits
Catalyzing Local Action
NICCA Localization Summits bring together:
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Local Government Units
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Health professionals
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National agencies
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Civil society and patient groups
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Academe and private sector partners
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The Summits aim to:
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Build shared understanding of NICCA
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Assess local cancer burden and gaps
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Map resources and opportunities
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Showcase good practices and innovations
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Develop Local Cancer Action Agendas
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These are not just meetings—they are launchpads for local transformation.
Why Localization is Critical
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Cancer care access varies widely across regions
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Many Filipinos are diagnosed late
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Treatment delays cost lives and livelihoods
Localization allows LGUs to:
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Customize strategies to local realities
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Address health inequities
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Mobilize local investments
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Strengthen referral and shared-care systems
According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the Philippines has one of the highest rates of premature cancer deaths in Asia—many of which could have been prevented through early detection.
📌 Localization saves lives.
Our Call To Action
NICCA’s success depends on collective action.
On LGUs that lead.
On health workers who serve.
On communities that care.
On partners who invest.
Together, we can ensure that:
* Cancer care is accessible—wherever Filipinos live
* No family faces cancer alone
* NICCA’s promise is fulfilled in every locality
